About a year ago, this firefighter's son was diagnosed with autism. The family began seeing physicians and researching what they could do to help their son and learned that there had been some success reported by having specially trained therapy dogs help to address some of the symptoms.

The cost of the dog and the special training exceeds $10,000 and the family strained to find the funds necessary to pay for the dog they have lost but now they simply cannot afford to replace her without assistance.

"My son and his dog were inseparable. My son can't understand what happened but he knows something is wrong (everyone has been crying) and he walks around the house calling her name. I'm so afraid that he will shut down and regress. Their bond was so

strong, and the dog was so gentle and patient to put up with a special needs 3 yr old boy (who is not always as gentle as he should be). The dog was instrumental in getting our previously non-verbal son to start talking. She got him talking and kept him calm and safe from wandering.

We had invested about $7K in our dog and her training but her training wasn't yet complete. The cost of the dog and training has created a serious financial strain on our family, and we simply can't replace her without assistance. What she did for him was priceless. However, our resources are limited."

Volunteer firefighters give selflessly to the residents of the Township. This is a chance for the residents to return the favor and help a little boy who lost his best and most important friend.

Hillside Hose Company No. 1 has voted to run a fundraiser to help our brother firefighter and his family in a time of need and we hope that the many friends of ours will help us reach our goal of raising $10,700 for this family. Please help us spread the word.

Hillside Hose Co. No. 1 is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Therapy Dog Fundraiser

Learn more about ways you can help support HHC #1 below. Click any link to learn more.